The home team were favourites to replace Leicester at the summit at kick-off, ambitions that were soon dented when Robert Huth handed Leicester a second-minute lead at the Etihad Stadium.

Huth then led an impeccable defensive display as Manuel Pellegrini's team had little to show for sustained periods of possession, while appearing badly vulnerable to their opponents' razor-sharp work on the counter-attack.

Much of the pre-match talk from the Manchester City camp revolved around the desire to give Pellegrini a glorious send-off following confirmation that Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola will take his job from next season.

Their deeds on the pitch comprehensively failed to measure up, though, and Leicester exploited them mercilessly.

Riyad Mahrez danced through a shambling defence to brilliantly score his 14th Premier League goal of the season before Huth headed his second, with Sergio Aguero's strike coming too late to deny Leicester a six-point advantage at the top.

Jermain Defoe struck with a minute to play as Sunderland mounted an incredible comeback to claim a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at an unsettled Anfield.

Despite seeing coach Jurgen Klopp laid low by a bout of suspected appendicitis in the build-up and first-half injuries to Joe Allen and Dejan Lovren, the impressive Roberto Firmino looked to have lifted the mood on Merseyside, in a week that had seen fans lash out at raised ticket prices for next season.

Having headed his side into the lead, the Brazilian turned provider for Adam Lallana with 20 minutes remaining before things turned sour for the hosts.

A sizeable number of fans walked out in the 77th minute in protest at the club's actions in midweek, while others voiced their disapproval.

On his first Sunderland start, Wahbi Khazri made the chance for Defoe, who earned Sunderland an unlikely point in a contest Liverpool looked to have sewn up.

Tottenham moved up to second in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Watford that was more convincing than the scoreline suggests.

Mauricio Pochettino's men leapfrog Manchester City, who lost to leaders Leicester City earlier in the day, thanks to defender Kieran Trippier's goal midway through the second half.

Trippier netted from close range - his first in the top flight - after substitute Dele Alli had impressively created the opportunity within minutes of coming on in a game that saw Tottenham dominate possession and chances.

Spurs have now won four consecutive league matches and are Leicester's closest challengers as they sit five points adrift at the top.

In other matches, Everton cruised to a 3-0 at Stoke City, Southampton survived with 10-men to beat West Ham 1-0 and Newcastle United shaded West Brom 1-0.

Aston Villa secured a crucial 2-0 win against Norwich City and Swansea City tied 1-1 with Crystal Palace.